Early Files 5-1-09

Friday

May 1, 2009 at 2:00 AM

Patriot Staff

May 4, 1989 LEADLINE CHAMPS – 6-year-old Tara Every (left) of Osterville won the blue ribbon while 5-year-old A. J. Kuzaba of East Sandwich took second place on Peanut at the April 22 Cape Cod Hunter Horse Show at Race Lane Farm. 1839 A new and beautiful schooner about eight tons, was launched at Cotuit, from the shipyard of Capt. Job Handy. She will be called Amanda and is intended for the Boston and Albany trade. Capt. Sam’l Nickerson, Jr. is to be her first master. The Amanda is the fifty-first vessel that has been build by Capt. H. and is, like all the others of his construction, admirable for its proportions, beauty and durability. 1869 The Massachusetts Legislature proposes to put a stop to euchre-playing in railroad cars. The proposition is referred to the Railroad Committee, who will probably have a public hearing upon the subject. 1899 The old Republican flagstaff on 'Mount Holmes' was burned at the base to such a degree during the late fire at Barnstable, that by a little urging it fell to the ground. This flagstaff was first erected just east of the school house in 1852 by Whigs during the exciting campaign of General Wenfield Scott, and from it was floated in 1860 the first Republican names of Lincoln and Hamlin. The flag was in charge of William D. Holmes from 1852 until he enlisted in the war of Rebellion. Somewhere about 1870, the foot of the staff decayed to such an extent to make it dangerous. It was taken down by the late Walter Chipman Esq. and removed to Mount Holmes, and for some years a flag has floated from it on special occasions. 1909 It is an encouragement to note the activity of the New Haven Road in meeting the increasing rail traffic to Cape Cod from the New York end by better facilities. More and more people seem to be coming to Cape Cod from distant points, wishing to buy property here for summer homes. We are now on the horizon of the greatest period of prosperity this country has ever known, and we should strive for vantage ground for Cape Cod. 1919 The banks of the Cape Cod Canal were lined with people Sunday afternoon to see the large German submarine, U-111, go through. It was followed by a submarine chaser. The latter took off a number of people from submarines and landed them at Buzzards Bay 1929 It is reported that by arrangement with the American Motorless Aviation Corporation, the German Rhoen-Rossitan glider flying organization will send two young Dormstadt flyers to the United States to start a school for gliders here on Cape Cod. German glider experts gave many demonstrations of motorless flying from the high cliffs of Truro, last summer. 1939 Hyannis has been selected for the international regatta this year, the most important event in yachting ever to have come to Cape Cod and the first event to be staged in New England, according to Vincent D. O'Neil, secretary of the Hyannis Yacht Club, who will be host. The International Comet Class Regatta is scheduled for September 9, 10 and 11. Comets, weighing 400 pounds each, will be brought to the Cape from all sections of the United States, Vancouver and Puerto Rico. 1959 Selectmen in Barnstable announced today that they will again strongly enforce the so-called Sunday Blue Laws pertaining to merchandising establishments such as gift shops, antique stores and other businesses required by state law to shut down on the Sabbath. 1969 The proposition to operate at the town building Tuesday through Saturday instead of the present Monday through Friday schedule cannot be done in a flash of an eye, to be sure, but since the idea has some merit, it should not be dropped in File 13. 1979 Town meeting representatives last night finally got through their most unproductive night in the eight or so years the system has been in operation. When they staggered out after three and a half hours, what had they accomplished? They completed action on one article and are still facing 153 articles. 1989 Town meeting members unanimously approved the purchase of the 30-acre Burgess property on Route 149, Marstons Mills. The property includes the home of the late Rachel Burgess, waterfront property on Hamblins Pond and a garden designed by world famous landscape architect Frederick Olmstead. The site will be used for passive recreation, additional swimming facilities on Hamblins Pond, picnicking and other family activities. 1999 New owners Le De Bao and Dian Tong are transforming the vintage 1950s warehouse, most recently the studio and gallery of controversial chain saw sculptor Barre Pinske, into what they expect – after several years of work – will become a center for Asian art, and cultural studies on Cape Cod. Right now, with Le De doing most of the work, they are refurbishing the two story, 5,000-square-foot interior space, creating exhibit rooms and work studios in preparation for a grand opening of what they will call the Tao Waters art gallery.